By Chika Okeke
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi has been re-elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation, WCO, for another one-year.
This followed his landmark performance at the just concluded 147th and 148th WCO Council Sessions held in Brussels, and in recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to global customs administration.
Upon his return from Brussels, the CG was warmly received by officers and men of the NCS at its Headquarters in Abuja.
This was even as President Bola Tinubu granted a final six-month tenure extension to the CG.
The CG’s first tenure extension ought to have expired on August 1, 2026, but the six-month extension will expire in February 2027.
This will enable the CG to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service.
During the transition period, Adeniyi, working with the NCS Board, will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the retirement of officers who have attained 60 years of age or have served 35 years.
The management team of NCS congratulated Adeniyi on his six-month tenure extension and presented him with a souvenir in appreciation of his exemplary leadership and contributions to the growth and transformation of the NCS.
CG Adeniyi thanked the management team for their unwavering support, describing the gesture as a reflection of the unity and shared commitment within the Service.
He disclosed that he travelled to Brussels expecting to hand over the chairmanship of the WCO Council but was instead entrusted with another one-year mandate by members of the Council.
“I sincerely appreciate your support. I went to Brussels believing I was going to hand over, but the outcome was different. The Council renewed my tenure for another one year, and I dedicate this achievement to the entire Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
Adeniyi joined the Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 80s.
He rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller General in 2020, Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023, before his appointment by President Tinubu in June 2023 as the Comptroller General.
The renewed international mandate, alongside the extension of Adeniyi’s tenure as the CG, reinforces confidence in his leadership and is expected to further advance the Service’s reform agenda, international partnerships, and trade facilitation efforts.
